The Road to Damascus
(Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-23)

1Meanwhile, Saul still breathing out threats and murder toward the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the high priest, 2requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any being of the way, both men and women, having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem.

3Now in proceeding, it came to pass as he draws near to Damascus, suddenly also a light from heaven flashed around him. 4And having fallen on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

5And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

And He said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.a 6But rise up and enter into the city, and it will be told you that which it behooves you to do.”

7And the men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice indeed, but seeing no one. 8And Saul rose up from the ground, but of his eyes having been opened, he could see nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him to Damascus. 9And he was three days without seeing, and neither did he eat nor drink.

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

And he said, “Behold me, Lord.”

11And the Lord said to him, “Having risen up, go into the street called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas the one of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12and he saw in a vision a man named Ananias, having come and having put the hands on him, so that he might see again.”

13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all those calling on Your name.”

15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is My vessel of choice to carry My name before the Gentiles, and also kings, and the sons of Israel. 16For I will show to him how much it behooves him to suffer for My name.”

17And Ananias went away and entered into the house; and having laid the hands upon him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, the One having appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me that you may see again and be filled of the Holy Spirit.”

18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. And having risen up, he was baptized, 19and having taken food, he was strengthened. And he was some days with the disciples in Damascus.

Saul Preaches at Damascus

20And immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21And all those hearing were amazed and were saying, “Is this not the one having ravaged those in Jerusalem calling on this name? And he had come here for this, that he might bring them, having been bound, to the chief priests.”

22But Saul was empowered all the more and kept confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

The Escape from Damascus
(1 Samuel 19:11-24)

23Now when many days had passed, the Jews plotted together to kill him, 24but their plot became known to Saul. And now they were closely watching the gates day and also night, so that they might kill him. 25But having taken him by night, his disciples let him down through the wall, having lowered him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26And having arrived in Jerusalem, he was attempting to join the disciples, and all were afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple. 27But Barnabas having taken him, brought him to the apostles and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

28And he was coming in and going out with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of Lord. 29And he was speaking and was debating with the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30But the brothers having known it, brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

31Then indeed the churches throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

32Now it came to pass that Peter, passing through all quarters, also went down to the saints inhabiting Lydda. 33And he found there a certain man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed, lying on a bed for eight years. 34And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise up and make the bed for yourself.” And immediately he rose up. 35And all those inhabiting Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

The Raising of Dorcas

36Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which translated is called Dorcas. She was full of good works and of alms that she continually did. 37But in those days it came to pass that, having become sick, she died. And having washed her, they put her in an upper room. 38Now Lydda being near Joppa, the disciples having heard that Peter is in it, sent two men to him, imploring, “Do not to delay coming to us.”

39And Peter having risen up, went with them, who having arrived, brought him into the upper room. And all the widows stood by him, weeping and showing the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made, being with them.

40And Peter having put all outside and having bowed the knees, prayed. And having turned to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise!” And she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up. 41And having given her his hand, he raised her up. And having called the saints and the widows, he presented her living.

42And it became known throughout all of Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43And it came to pass, he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner.